Winter wasn’t just a season—it was an experience that shaped so many of our childhood memories. Sure, it came with icy sidewalks and chilly toes, but it also brought joys that were unique to the time. Before smartphones, video games, and endless streaming options, winter was about getting outside, making do with what you had, and creating your own fun. Many of those traditions have faded into history, replaced by modern conveniences or left behind in the face of changing times. Let’s revisit 12 winter traditions that brought us so much joy growing up and might seem completely foreign to kids today.
1. Skating on Frozen Ponds
Before every town had an ice rink, we relied on nature’s version: the frozen pond. Lacing up old-school skates and heading out to the ice was equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking—was it thick enough to hold everyone? Skating wasn’t about perfection; it was about freedom, laughter, and the occasional hilarious wipeout. If you didn’t fall at least once, you weren’t doing it right.
Kids today might visit pristine, temperature-controlled rinks, but the magic of skating under the open sky is something they’re missing. There was a special kind of joy in warming up by a nearby fire after hours on the ice, cheeks flushed from the cold and hearts full of memories.
2. Playing “Fox and Goose” in the Snow
On snowy afternoons, nothing beat the thrill of stomping out a big circle in the snow, carving pathways to create a “maze,” and playing a game of Fox and Goose. One person—the “fox”—chased the others—the “geese”—around the paths, and stepping outside the lines meant you were out. It wasn’t just a game; it was an event that tested your speed, strategy, and ability to not slip on icy patches.
These days, kids are more likely to be indoors playing games on screens than organizing something so physically demanding outside. But the laughter, teamwork, and occasional snowball ambushes that came with Fox and Goose made it a tradition you never forgot, even when your toes turned numb.
3. Sipping Hot Cocoa Outside
There was nothing better than coming inside from a long day of playing in the snow and being greeted by a steaming mug of hot cocoa. But sometimes, we didn’t even wait to go inside—we’d bring it outside, bundling up with mittens and scarves, sipping it between sledding runs or snowman building. The cocoa always seemed to taste better when the cold air made the steam swirl around us, and the warmth felt like a hug from the inside out. If we were lucky, there’d be marshmallows on top, slowly melting into sweet gooeyness.
Hot cocoa wasn’t just a drink; it was a tradition that turned winter days into cozy memories. Today, kids might drink it while scrolling on their phones or watching TV, but back then, it was part of the experience of being out in the cold, turning the frosty world into a magical playground. It was a reminder that even the chilliest days could have a warm, comforting center—just like a good childhood memory.
4. Walking to School in the Snow
Back then, snow didn’t mean a day off—it meant bundling up and braving the elements to get to school. There was a strange sense of pride in trudging through snowbanks taller than you, feet wrapped in layers of socks and boots that barely kept the wet out. Sometimes, the snow was so deep that a simple walk felt like a full-body workout.
Today’s kids are more likely to hop on a bus or get a ride from parents, sparing them the effort but also the sense of adventure. It wasn’t always fun, but it gave us stories to tell—and a deep appreciation for warm classrooms once we arrived.
5. Sliding Around on Icy Sidewalks
Icy sidewalks turned every trip outside into an opportunity for fun. Instead of walking cautiously, we’d test our balance by “skating” on the slick surfaces, pretending we were in the Olympics. Sure, there were plenty of falls, and the occasional bruised tailbone, but the thrill of gliding a few feet made it worth it.
Now, icy sidewalks are treated with salt and caution, leaving little room for spontaneous adventures. It’s a simple pleasure that today’s kids might never experience, but for us, it turned even the most mundane winter chore into something memorable.
6. Hanging Laundry Out to Freeze-Dry
Believe it or not, we used to hang laundry outside in the winter, even when temperatures dipped below freezing. Frozen sheets and towels would stiffen like boards, and bringing them back inside felt like hauling planks of wood. Once thawed, they had the crispest, cleanest scent that no modern dryer could replicate.
Nowadays, the idea of hanging laundry in subzero temperatures would leave most people scratching their heads. But for us, it was just part of winter life—a quirky tradition that combined necessity with a bit of seasonal magic.
7. Spending Hours Outside Without Checking the Time
Winter days were long and cold, but that didn’t stop us from playing outside for hours on end. Whether it was sledding, snowball fights, or just wandering through snowy woods, we didn’t worry about schedules or checking the time. When the streetlights came on or the cold got unbearable, we’d finally trudge back home.
Today’s kids often have more structured activities and are never far from a screen or clock. But the freedom of losing yourself in play, with nothing but snow and imagination to guide you, is a tradition worth remembering.
8. Collecting Icicles from Roofs
Icicles hanging from rooftops were like nature’s candy canes, and we couldn’t resist breaking off the biggest ones we could find. Some of us would even try to eat them, despite being told it wasn’t safe. The challenge was in finding the longest, clearest icicle without it shattering before you got it down.
Kids today might see icicles as just a hazard to avoid, but for us, they were a winter wonder—proof that cold weather could create something magical.
9. Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
Before snowmobiles became common, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing were practical and fun ways to get around. Strapping on snowshoes or skis turned the snowy landscape into a playground, letting us explore fields, forests, and frozen streams. It wasn’t about speed—it was about the quiet beauty of winter and the satisfaction of gliding over snow.
Now, these activities are more of a niche sport, replaced by faster, motorized options. But the simplicity and connection to nature that came with snowshoeing and skiing are traditions worth cherishing.
10. Watching Your Breath in the Cold
One of the simplest joys of winter was seeing your breath puff out in clouds like smoke. As kids, we’d pretend to be dragons or see who could blow the biggest “smoke rings.” It was a tiny, magical reminder of just how cold it really was.
Kids today might not appreciate the novelty, but for us, it was a free winter wonder—proof that even the simplest moments could be full of fun and wonder.
11. Making Snow Angels
After a fresh snowfall, one of the first things we’d do was lie down in the pristine snow and wave our arms and legs to create snow angels. It didn’t matter if we got snow down our boots or up our sleeves—the joy of jumping up to see our angelic masterpiece was worth it. Sometimes, we’d make whole fields of them, turning the backyard into a winter wonderland. Snow angels were a simple way to embrace the magic of winter, connecting us to the season in a way that felt almost spiritual.
Today, kids might not spend as much time outside in the snow, missing out on the quiet charm of this tradition. It wasn’t about technology or toys—just you, the snow, and your imagination. The thrill of leaving your mark in nature’s white canvas made snow angels a timeless winter activity that lives in our memories.
12. Building Snow Forts
One of the greatest joys of winter was building elaborate snow forts with friends or siblings. We’d spend hours packing snow into sturdy walls, creating secret tunnels, and carving out spaces to “defend” from imaginary invaders. Sometimes, the forts were simple little hideouts, and other times, they were full-on castles complete with snowball arsenals and lookout posts. The only limit was how much snow we had to work with—and how long our mittens stayed dry.
Snow forts weren’t just about playing in the snow; they were about teamwork, creativity, and a little friendly competition. Whether it was for a snowball fight or just a hideaway from the grown-ups, these forts were our winter kingdoms. Kids today might spend more time indoors during winter, but the magic of transforming a snowy yard into an adventure zone will always be a highlight of growing up in colder climates.
Winter was so much more than a season—it was a time to embrace the cold, get creative, and find joy in the simplest things. While many of these traditions have faded, the memories of them remain vivid, reminding us of a time when winter felt like a world of endless possibilities.
